Max Neely Wolford Jr.

Max Neely Wolford Jr., of Browns Mills NJ passed away on Tuesday morning, June 9, 2026 at Virtua Memorial Hospital, Mt. Holly, NJ. He was 76 years of age. Born at home in Augusta, WV; son of the late Max Neely Wolford Sr., and Catherine Rebecca (McBride) Wolford. As his father was in the military, Max moved often with his parents and two younger siblings until they were stationed at Fort Dix, NJ, and ultimately settled in Browns Mills, NJ, where he would remain for the rest of his childhood and adult years. After graduating from Pemberton Township High School, (where he met the love of his life, Cheryl Lee Van Horn, who would become his wife and devoted partner for the rest of his life), Max went on to Rutgers University to obtain his Bachelor of Arts. After a few years working as a realtor for his father-in-law’s real estate company, Max turned to a career in public service, working as a probation officer (child support division) for the State of New Jersey in 1976. He would serve in this occupation, rising to the supervisory level until his retirement in 2014, when he was also awarded with Supervisor of the Year. Max was a dedicated family man. He enjoyed time at home, cooking and eating or eating out with his family. He was a fantastic conversationalist and avid reader. He had a great appreciation for art and music. In his earlier adult years, Max would bowl with friends in competitions and played tennis and squash with colleagues. Later, Max developed a passion for genealogy. He would take trips to find libraries, gravesites, record facilities, and extended family members. He was great with the kids in the family and was affectionately known as “Uncle Grampa”. He was also a member of the Messiah Lutheran Brethren Church in Browns Mills (NJ) where he and his wife were part of a strong church family. Max is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Cheryl Lee (VanHorn) Wolford; his daughter, Alyssa Wolford; his son, Charles Wolford; his grandson, John Antonio Pacheco-Wolford (also known as Toni) ; his favorite brother, Larry Eugene Wolford; his favorite sister, Pamela Ann (Wolford) Shinn; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Friday, June 19th, from 3-5 PM at Perinchief Chapels, 438 High St., Mt. Holly. Funeral services will begin at 5 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Max’s memory to: -Messiah Lutheran Brethren Church, 530 Virginia Drive, Browns Mills, NJ 08015 (www.messiahhlbc.com) or -Deborah Foundation, 212 Trenton Rd., Browns Mills, NJ 08015, (www.deborahfoundation.org); or -The Christian Caring Center, 378 Lakehurst Road, Browns Mills NJ 08015, https://www.christiancaringcenter.net/

Max Neely Wolford Jr.

November 2, 1949 - June 9, 2026